Surgical menopause?

[Tattooedlady7]

I had an abdominal hysterectomy 8 months ago, my ovaries were left in but only work off and on. I have had terrible migraines, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, hot flashes, mood swings and don't feel at all like myself. None of this was something I experienced prior to the surgery. I was told that if my ovaries were left in, I wouldn't go into menopause. Has anyone else experienced this? Will it go away and how do I get back to feeling normal. Help!

[old_before_my_time]

Yes, unfortunately, since the ovaries are endocrine glands they affect every cell in the body. It is a real travesty that gynecologists seldom tell women the facts about the effects of hysterectomy and/or ovary removal.

I take estradiol tablets (generic Estrace). Every woman's body is different so what delivery route (pill, patch, gel, vaginal ring) and dosage works for one may not work for another. But the generic Estrace works well for me and is a $4/$10 prescription (without insurance).

Hope this helps and I hope you can find something that helps you quickly. Hysterectomy can also affect thyroid function so just something to keep in mind as you may want to have a thyroid panel done at some point.

[Tattooedlady7]

I can also relate on vision changes. I've had my prescription changed twice since the surgery. There is no obvious reasons for the changes. I work in photography, it's effecting my ability to do my work.

[Tattooedlady7]

Thank you for your response. I'm 32 and don't know anyone else that is dealing with this at this point in their life. I'm sorry you also had to go through this. The surgeon told me if I kept my ovaries, I wouldn't go into menopause. I didn't expect this at all.

The anxiety and severe depression are the hardest part. I've become more antisocial and struggle. I'd like to be the person I was before and get on with life. Do you use synthetic estrogen and if so did it help immediately? I'm hoping there is hope.  Thank you for responding. It's nice to know I'm not the only one.

[old_before_my_time]

I am sorry for all you are going through. For one, you were not told the truth about ovarian function after hysterectomy. There is a good chance (about 40%) that the ovaries will fail after hysterectomy due to the loss of blood flow. But even women who appear to have "normal" ovarian function after hysterectomy suffer with they same symptoms as you. It is a myth that the uterus is disposable after childbearing. It has hormonal, anatomical, skeletal, and sexual functions.

I also had a hysterectomy and can relate to your symptoms (except migraines) as well as many others. My worst symptoms were SEVERE depression, fragmented sleep, horrible hair loss and graying, skin aging, and vision deterioration (very blurry vision).

Estrogen has helped a lot and, in fact, cured my severe depression and helps immensely with sleep. I am still not the person I was prior to being de-sexed but I am at least functional and no longer want to end my life. I am still angry and don't think I will ever get over being betrayed by my long-time gynecologist.